The Galactic Magnetic Field and Cosmic Rays

Abstract

The structure of the magnetic field of the Galaxy and other spiral systems and the inseparable problem of the origin of cosmic rays are examined: (1) A variety of evidence is used to show that the galactic field extends far beyond the disk and connects the disk field with a general field fixed in the local system of galaxies. (2) The coronal field extends beyond 10 kpc as an oblique helix which is constantly expanding, and has partially force·free characteristics.